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Planescape: Torment Review

Great games are a rarity now-a-days, with classics being increasingly hard to produce, and the best ones barely distinguishable from the others. This is due to the rapidly changing market with graphics and basic gameplay engines being so similar, as the smallest technological advances stand out a mile. Max Payne and Black and White are two games that come to mind, both being innovative, beautifully constructed games. Planescape Torment may not be quite as new and ground-breaking as these two, but it's undoubtedly a classic all the same.

The graphics are clearly polished, but not exactly majestic, lacking the gleaming brilliance of some more recent games, and Neverwinter Nights which looks as though it has amazing potential, but still, they do the job more than adequately.

The animation rivals that of Baldurs Gate, although doesn't really surpass it by any noticeable amount, nor does it lag behind though. In fact, the whole engine is just a slightly revamped version of the Bioware classic, and it works extremely well for this particular addition to the ever-spectacular genre.

As you've probably guessed, Torment is an RPG, and whilst it sold fairly well on its release, in my opinion it didn't even come close to the money that it had the potential to make. Whilst the absolutely epic amount of dialogue may intimidate some fans, all it does it add to the incredible story telling that this game possesses. As you venture forth through the crowded, bandit-invested cities, and achieve the tough tasks set by the excessively rich, and often evil figures dotted around the plains, the plot unfolds and progresses slowly. It is pure genius, and perhaps the best storyline that any game ever has, and ever will have the pleasure of having.

Basically, you wake up in the morgue having supposedly been killed only to find out that you're still alive. It is then that you discover that you're immortal - a very innovative feature to the game which means that there is rarely a game over, and the action isn't slowed down anywhere near as much as usual. Unfortunately though, you are also suffering from amnesia, not the best way to wake up. By your side is an odd, eccentric talking skull named Morte, who immediately makes it apparent that he is the comic relief of the game. After getting up and stretching out some of the tense muscles which you often get as a side track to dying, you embark on your quest, trying to find out who you are, and what keeps happening to you.

This sets the stage for what will undoubtedly be the most exciting and enjoyable piece of investigation that you're ever likely to face. In my opinion, Torment slashes Baldurs Gate hard down to the ground with a double-handed sword +8, before taking from it's lying corpse, the title of the greatest, most original RPG around. Of course, big brother Baldurs Gate 2 comes and chases Torment away, forcing it to hand the title back over to the bigger, more experienced and popular family.

Those of you who thought BG was big, will be equally impressed with the new offering, which will eat away a hell of a lot of your time. It takes ages to complete, yet never gets to a point where it becomes dull or repetitive. This is the sign of brilliance shining through.

It's an AD&D rules game, and is immensely enjoyable, and a must have purchase. The intense battles perfectly set the scene for the next maze or diabolical enemy you will be forced to face, and the brand new items reveal a little about your past. Friends come and accompany you in your quest, including an old flame (Those who have played the game will understand the pun). The whole thing is spectacular, there really is no other word, and if you haven't played this then you really have been missing out. From the second you get out of the comparatively boring Mortuary, to the moment that you are forced to fight the final boss (Which I'm not going to give away the name of), Torment is a non-stop rollercoaster of thrills, excitement, perfectly complimenting with an increasing compelling story as you progress. I guarantee that as soon as you start playing this, you'll lose sleep and friends, hours will suddenly seem like minutes, and you'll have to be torn away from your computer screen. And yes, I am recommending you buy this, especially as it's probably on budget by now.

Overall: 93%

Pros: · Amazing storyline · Great gameplay · Lots of innovative features · Epic game

Cons: · You won't be able to stop playing this until you've completed it · First part is kind of boring - inside the Mortuary